Preserving open space in communities is often a balancing act between maximizing developable land and creating value - both monetary and intangible - for all parties involved. Urban Land Magazine explored this dichotomy in a recent article featuring interviews with five community development experts - including RVi President Chris Crawford.

The article explored trends in open space development as well as best practices, the impact of sustainable design, and challenges associated with incorporating open space.

“There have been a lot of studies showing that proximity to open space increases property values,” Chris said. “Open space also enhances economic development. A city with great parks, trails, and recreational amenities attracts talented and educated people because it is viewed as a good place to live.”

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Earlier this month, Dripping Springs City Council approved the development agreement for Caliterra, a new master planned community that will be located off Ranch Road 12 one mile south of Highway 290 in Dripping Springs.  Caliterra features majestic hill country views and a very scenic portion of Onion Creek which traverses the site near the planned entrance.  Development Solutions CAT, LLC, the developers of the community, plan to embrace and respect these natural amenities through environmental stewardship and a focus on engaging residents with nature.  Nearly half of Caliterra’s 592 acres will be preserved as open space - with the intent of maximizing views, protecting wildlife habitat, and maintaining the rural ranch heritage of Dripping Springs. 

RVi developed the recently-approved master plan for Caliterra, and is currently preparing a comprehensive park and open space plan as well as designing the community amenities.

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Entries were due this week for the 12th Annual ULI Gerald D. Hines Urban Design Competition, a program that challenges teams of graduate students to create a comprehensive development proposal for an existing site in two short weeks. Teams are composed of five students representing the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, real estate, and business fields. Each team is paired with several members of the local professional design community, who serve as mentors to the group.

RVi’s own Mark Smith and Chip Mills are serving as design team mentors this year, and their teams have been busy at work developing plans for Nashville’s historic Sulphur Dell neighborhood. “The process has been very interesting and very rewarding. It is amazing to see the motivation and work ethic that these students possess,” Chip said.

Finalist teams will be announced in February.  RVi wishes the best of luck to all participants!

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